History 102 (001) World History from 1500 to the Twentieth Century

Instructor(s)

Term

full year

Course Level

Undergraduate

Credits

6

Description

This course offers a broad survey of the history of the world from the end of the fifteenth century to the early twentieth century. The course begins at the pivotal moment in world history when oceanic contact created new connections between Europe, the Americas and Asia. During the first term the course will focus on the period from 1500 to 1750. We will examine and compare the political, social, economic and religious systems of some major civilizations – particularly those of East Asia, South Asia, Europe and the Middle East – and consider how increased contact among these cultures resulted in highly variant patterns of conquest, collaboration and exchange. The second term will cover the history of the world from the later eighteenth to the early twentieth century. We will study the heightened globalization that resulted from the intensification of European colonialism in the nineteenth century and see how these trends contributed to the political catastrophes of the early twentieth century.

In addition to attending two lectures each week, students will also attend a weekly discussion. Every student who registers for the course must also register for a discussion tutorial. Evaluation will be based on written work, examinations, and participation in the weekly discussions.